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intensity" of small-pox prevalence in the vicinity of the hospitalsis
susceptible of a different explanation, and will, probably, be
explained ultimately, as Mr. Power admits that it may be explained,
on the hypothesis of personal communication occurring outside the
walls of the hospitals. Assuming the probability of such an
explanation of an admitted fact, it may be said that a grave
responsibility attaches to all who are in any way connected with
the administration of the hospitals, and it becomes above all
a vital question, whether such spread, if so caused, is, or is not
wholly or in part preventible? This question is too large to be
entered upon at the present time, but the ground for a consideration
of it will have been cleared could we be satisfied that the theory
of aerial dissemination, in the sense of Mr. Power's report, is, as I
think it is, untenable. But whether the spread of small-pox in the
vicinity of hospitals is due to aerial dissemination of contagium or
to Personal communication, it must be obvious that to increase the
number of such institutions in London, as some have proposed, by
the establishment of a large number of local or district hospitals,
would be to multiply possible centres of infection, and to increase
rather than to diminish a public danger.
HOSPITALS COMMISSION.
In previous Reports (1882, pages 28-43; 1883, pages 31-36)
I have referred to the recommendations of the Royal Commission
for making provision of Hospital Accommodation for the infectious
sick, and generally for dealing with epidemic diseases in the
Metropolis. I propose now to state what has been done with a
view to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission,
which have been loyally carried out by the Managers of the
Asylums Board; and first with regard to
Small-pox Hospital Accommodation.—The Commission
recommended that provision should be made for the reception and
treatment of small-pox patients in isolated positions on the banks
of the Thames, or in floating hospitals on the river itself. The